On TV tonight, catch up with an extraordinary family of big cats in Lion: The Rise and Fall of the Marsh Pride on BBC Two, a new batch of celebs enter the kitchen for Celebrity MasterChef on BBC One and a new series of Fake of Fortune? begins also on BBC One. Comedian Rosie Jones embarks on season 2 of her travel show Trip Hazard on C4 and another famous face sets off on his travels in The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo on Channel 5. A new behind the scenes documentary The Hotel People starts on BBC Two and check out some fresh comedy on Dave starting with The Other Half. Here's what you shouldn't miss on TV tonight.
- Our hand selected recommendations for what's on TV tonight include seven TV shows, a film, live sport and the latest trending need-to-binge-on-now box set
- Keep up to date with the latest soap spoiler storylines on TV tonight with our daily soap synopsis
- For more information about what’s on TV tonight see our TV Guide
What's on TV tonight
Our expert TV journalists have picked the best things on TV tonight...
Best TV shows on TV tonight
Lion: The Rise and Fall of the Marsh Pride, 9 pm, BBC Two
If you’ve watched a documentary about lions in Kenya over the past 40 years, the chances are that the members of the incredible Marsh Pride were taking centre stage. This fascinating but emotional look at the history of the pride sees Big Cat Diary’s Simon King and Jonathan Scott join conservationists and locals to chart the family’s ups and downs. But while the fiercely fought battles to lead the pride or protect precious cubs are stunning to witness, there’s also a sobering account of the challenging relationship between the lions and their human neighbours, which has frequently had tragic consequences for these majestic animals.
★★★★★ CC
Celebrity MasterChef, 9 pm, BBC One
Best known for playing man-eater Dorien Green in the ITV sitcom Birds of a Feather, actor Lesley Joseph is swapping her character’s trademark leopard-print outfits for a white apron in this week’s third heat of the cookery competition. Joining Lesley in the famous TV kitchen are US actor Clarke Peters, of The Wire and His Dark Materials fame, ex-EastEnders star Richard Blackwood, former pro-footballer Jimmy Bullard and TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher. Who will impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with some truly delightful dishes? Continues on Thursday and Friday.
★★★ VW
Rosie Jones' Trip Hazard, season 2, 10 pm, C4
Joanna Lumley narrates as comedian Rosie Jones returns for a second run of her travelogue. In the first leg of her journey she’s joined by AJ Odudu for some adventure and silliness in Moray, northern Scotland, where they set out to climb Cairn Gorm, one of the highest mountains in Britain. Clay pigeon shooting, rowing, pottery and whisky tasting follow.
★★★ MC
Fake or Fortune? 8 pm, BBC One
Fiona Bruce and art dealer Philip Mould are back for a 10th series discovering whether intriguing works of art are priceless – or worthless! The pair head to Surrey to meet Ian and Julie, who want to know if an artwork painted directly on to the wall of their spare room was created by 20th-century abstract artist Ben Nicholson. Fiona and Philip call on experts from the art world to determine whether the painting is genuine, using old-fashioned detective work and cutting-edge science. And, if it is, can they safely remove it?
★★★ VW
The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo, 9 pm, Channel 5
In this new series, Michael Portillo is on a journey between the summits of the Spanish and French Pyrenees. He’s in a reflective mood – not only is he about to turn 70 next year, but he’s also thinking about his parents, who met in Oxford in circumstances heavily influenced by the Basque Country, which is where he begins his trip. Dressed in a warm coat and sturdy walking boots (not a pastel-coloured blazer in sight), he braves some grim weather but is rewarded with stunning landscapes. Those he meets include a miller who revels in his solitude, a former bootlegger (he’s in prime smuggling country) and a British writer who’s settled here. It’s a very promising start to the journey.
★★★★ JP
The Hotel People, 8 pm, BBC Two
The Hastings Hotel group in Northern Ireland opens its doors for an access-all-areas series which charts the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry. After 18 months of closures, staff must be inventive with ways to attract new guests. In Belfast, the famous Europa Hotel has booked singer Van Morrison for a series of gigs, while at the five-star Culloden Estate and Spa in Co Down, guests are sampling Champagne aboard the ‘Bolly Bus’. This first episode will leave you wanting to book your next break.
★★★★ RM
The Other Half, 10 pm, Dave
Its main character may be a young gay British-Iranian man from Wales, but there’s a definite Bridget Jones vibe about this enjoyable first short film of four comedy pilots showing until Friday. Gaffe-prone Navid, who hasn’t come out to his family, arrives in Bristol to start an internship at a gallery and move in with his well-to-do influencer friend, Scarlet (Eve Delaney). As Navid, Vahid Gold is a dab hand at the comedy of embarrassment. This one has the potential for a series.
★★★★ IM
Best box set to watch on TV tonight
Marriage, BBC iPlayer
Fans of Stefan Golaszewski (Him & Her, Mum) are in for a treat, as the writer-director debuts his new series. TV heavyweights Sean Bean and Nicola Walker star as couple Ian and Emma, who are far from wedded bliss as they approach their 27th anniversary. Ian is in freefall after being made redundant, while Emma is quietly thrilled by the attentions of her boss, Jamie (an excellently obnoxious Henry Lloyd-Hughes). An intense look at the minutiae of married life, which for singles may feel like a blink-and-you-miss it backwater; for couples, it’s an eye-opening drive through the intricate landscape of long-term relationships. All four episodes are now available on BBC iPlayer.
Best film to watch on TV tonight
Before We Go, 4.55 pm, Film4
Chris Evans directs and stars in this intimate and determinedly low-key romantic drama about two strangers set adrift together one night in Manhattan. Alice Eve is winningly abrasive as the woman whose life goes into freefall when she gets her purse stolen and misses her train, while Evans is perfectly cast as the nice-guy busker who offers to help her out.
Live Sport
- EFL Cup, Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa, 7.45 pm (k-o 7.45 pm), Sky Sports Main Event/NOW
Soaps on TV tonight
- EastEnders, 7.30 pm, BBC One
- Emmerdale, 7.30 pm, ITV
- Hollyoaks, 6.30 pm, C4
- Home & Away, 6pm & 6.30 pm, 5Star
If you watch just one thing on TV tonight…
Don't miss Lion: The Rise and Fall of the Marsh Pride on TV tonight — some extraordinary footage of this fascinating animal family.
Not found anything you want to watch on TV tonight? Check out our TV Guide.
Happy viewing!
